According to the design of the ship, two types of binnacle are specified.

ISO 25862:2009 applies to liquid-filled magnetic compasses:

intended for ship's navigation and steering purposes in sea navigation according to regulations in force;

having a direct reading system;

which may be of the reflecting, projecting or transmitting types.

In the context of ISO 25862:2009, a magnetic compass is an instrument consisting of a directional system supported by a single pivot inside a bowl which is completely filled with liquid, and which is supported in gimbals inside or outside the bowl. Compasses without gimbals are also covered by ISO 25862:2009; the requirements relating to gimbals do not apply to such compasses.

ISO 25862:2009 applies to

all ships to which SOLAS applies (ships of gross tonnage W 150 t, engaged on international voyages and ships of gross tonnage W 500 t not engaged on international voyages) fitted with class A magnetic compasses,

all ships to which SOLAS does not apply, fitted with the class A or class B magnetic compasses, and

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